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Electronic Earth
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| Electronic Earth | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 2 April 2012 | |||
| Recorded | 2010–2012 | |||
| Studio | Milmark Studios, London | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 43:23 | |||
| Label | Syco | |||
| Producer |
| |||
| Labrinth chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from Electronic Earth | ||||
| ||||
Electronic Earth is the debut studio album by English recording artist Labrinth released on 2 April 2012, via Syco Music. The album peaked at number 2 on the UK Albums Chart.
Background
[edit]The album was released on 2 April 2012, by Simon Cowell's Syco Music. The album was largely self-produced by Labrinth, and was recorded over the period of two years. The album features guest appearances from Tinie Tempah, Emeli Sandé, Etta Bond, Busta Rhymes, Kano, Wretch 32, Devlin and Tinchy Stryder, as well as remixes by Joey Negro, the Wideboys, Knife Party and R3hab. The album's release was preceded by the release of three singles – "Let the Sun Shine", which was released on 27 September 2010, reaching a peak position of number three on the UK Singles Chart;[1] "Earthquake", which was released on 23 October 2011, reaching a peak position of number two;[2] and "Last Time", which was released on 18 March 2012.[3]
The title and release date of Electronic Earth were confirmed via Labrinth's official Twitter account on 19 December 2011.[4] The official artwork was unveiled in February 2012.[5] The album was originally due for release on 12 March, but was later pushed back, being released on 2 April 2012.[6] The album was set for release in the United States on 11 December 2012, in a joint deal between Syco Music and Capitol Records. Three extra tracks were added to the release for the American market – Labrinth's collaboration with Devlin, "Let it Go"; a special version of Tinie Tempah's smash hit single "Written in the Stars" featuring both Labrinth and original collaborator Eric Turner; and "Teardrop", a collaboration with a number of fellow urban artists, produced as the official single for the Children in Need telethon of 2011.[7]
Title
[edit]Speaking to Blues & Soul in January 2012, Labrinth stated: "Basically 'Electronic Earth' as a title represents musically where I'm heading to as an artist. In that I wanna be able to make both acoustic and electronic music side-by-side. You know, on one side you have artists like Adele who's very much on an acoustic vibe, and then on the other you have like maybe Justice who are a kind of electro-house band. And to me, what I'm about as a musician is joining those two worlds TOGETHER... So yeah, in that way 'Electronic Earth' does truly represent me as both an artist AND a producer."[8]
Critical reception
[edit]| Aggregate scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AnyDecentMusic? | 5.4/10[9] |
| Metacritic | 55/100[10] |
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| 4Music | |
| BBC Music | (favourable)[12] |
| Digital Spy | |
| The Guardian | |
| The Independent | |
| NME | (4/10)[16] |
Electronic Earth has received mixed responses. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 for reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an average score of 55, based on 8 reviews, which indicates "Mixed or Average reviews".[17] Lewis Corner of music blog Digital Spy gave the album four out of five stars, pointing out that while "Labrinth's lyrics are far from groundbreaking", [he's] "the one artist Cowell has on his label who has the X Factor in abundance".[13] Reviewing the album for The Guardian, Alexis Petridis gave Electronic Earth 3 out of 5 stars, claiming that "there are moments when Electronic Earth is nearly as audacious as Labrinth thinks it is".[14] Killian Fox for the publication's sister newspaper The Observer claims that on Electronic Earth Labrinth "has high ambitions but falls disappointingly short".[18] The album debuted at number two on the UK Albums Chart, selling 32,281 copies in its first week.[19]
Singles
[edit]- "Let the Sun Shine" was released in September 2010 as the lead single from the album. It peaked at number 3 on the UK Singles Chart, becoming the third most successful single from the album.
- "Earthquake" was released in October 2011 as the second single from the album. It peaked at number 2 on the UK Singles Chart, becoming the second most successful single from the album. The track features vocals from rapper Tinie Tempah.
- "Last Time" was released in March 2012 as the third single from the album. It peaked at number 4 on the UK Singles Chart, becoming the fourth most successful single from the album.
- "Express Yourself" was released in May 2012 as the fourth single from the album. It peaked at number 12 on the UK Singles Chart, the first track from the album to miss the Top 10.[20]
- "Treatment" was released in August 2012 as the fifth single from the album. It peaked at number 55 on the UK Singles Chart, becoming the worst performing single from the album, and the first to miss the Top 40.
- "Beneath Your Beautiful" was released in October 2012 as the sixth single from the album. It peaked at number 1 on the UK Singles Chart, earning Labrinth his first ever number-one single, and becoming the highest performing single from the album. The track features vocals from singer-songwriter Emeli Sandé.
Promotional songs
[edit]- "Climb on Board" was planned to be released on 30 March 2012 as the fourth single of the album. The release was postponed, ultimately cancelled, and eventually replaced with "Express Yourself". However, the song was given a release as a free Amazon.com download prior to album release.[21]
- "Up in Flames" (featuring Devlin and Tinchy Stryder), one of the two original bonus tracks in the deluxe version of the album (along with "T.O.P."), was released as a free download through his website and his SoundCloud page.[22] Labrinth has also published a behind-the-scenes video to YouTube through his channel of the song being recording. The video itself simulates a VHS tape recording with many glitches.[23]
Track listing
[edit]| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Climb on Board" | Timothy McKenzie, Marc Williams |
| 3:58 |
| 2. | "Earthquake" (featuring Tinie Tempah) |
| Labrinth | 3:31 |
| 3. | "Last Time" |
|
| 4:23 |
| 4. | "Treatment" (featuring Etta Bond) |
|
| 4:30 |
| 5. | "Express Yourself" |
| Labrinth | 4:03 |
| 6. | "Let the Sun Shine" | McKenzie |
| 2:59 |
| 7. | "Beneath Your Beautiful" (featuring Emeli Sandé) |
|
| 4:31 |
| 8. | "Sundown" |
|
| 5:06 |
| 9. | "Sweet Riot" | McKenzie | Labrinth | 5:02 |
| 10. | "Vultures" |
|
| 4:17 |
| Total length: | 43:23 | |||
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11. | "Earthquake" (All Stars Remix) (featuring Tinie Tempah, Kano, Wretch 32 and Busta Rhymes) |
| Labrinth | 5:14 |
| 12. | "T.O.P." | McKenzie |
| 3:18 |
| 13. | "Up in Flames" (featuring Devlin and Tinchy Stryder) |
| Labrinth | 4:05 |
| 14. | "Last Time" (Knife Party Remix) | McKenzie, Williams |
| 5:16 |
| 15. | "Earthquake" (Noisia Remix) (featuring Tinie Tempah) |
|
| 6:29 |
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Earthquake" (All Stars Remix) (featuring Tinie Tempah, Kano, Wretch 32 and Busta Rhymes) |
| Labrinth | 5:14 |
| 2. | "T.O.P." | McKenzie |
| 3:18 |
| 3. | "Up in Flames" (featuring Devlin and Tinchy Stryder) |
| Labrinth | 4:05 |
| 4. | "Earthquake" (Noisia Remix) (featuring Tinie Tempah) |
|
| 6:29 |
| 5. | "Earthquake" (Benny Benassi Remix) (featuring Tinie Tempah) |
|
| 5:00 |
| 6. | "Let the Sun Shine" (Joey Negro Radio Mix) | McKenzie |
| 3:13 |
| 7. | "Let the Sun Shine" (Wideboys Remix) | McKenzie |
| |
| 8. | "Last Time" (Knife Party Remix) |
|
| 5:16 |
| 9. | "Last Time" (R3hab Remix) |
|
|
- Sample credits
- "Express Yourself" contains a sample of "Express Yourself" as written by Charles Wright and performed by Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band and "Funky Drummer" as written and performed by James Brown.
- "Sundown" contains lyrics from the 1970 song "Big Yellow Taxi" by Joni Mitchell.
Personnel
[edit]
|
|
Charts and certifications
[edit]
Weekly charts[edit]
|
Year-end charts[edit]
Certifications[edit]
| |||||||||||||||||||||||
Release history
[edit]| Region | Date | Label | Format | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 2 April 2012 | Syco Music | CD | [32][33] |
| 2CD | [34][35] | |||
| 10CD | [36] | |||
| United States | 11 December 2012 | Capitol Records | CD |
References
[edit]- ^ "9th October 2010". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on 13 March 2015. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
- ^ "5th November 2011". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on 4 June 2015. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
- ^ "Labrinth Announces Details of New Single 'Last Time'". Capital FM. 25 January 2012. Archived from the original on 9 February 2012. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
- ^ Labrinth (19 December 2011). "Album: Electronic earth date: march 19th.... Who's ready!!!!". Twitter. Archived from the original on 4 January 2016. Retrieved 19 December 2011.
- ^ "Labrinth New Album 'Electronic Earth' Album Cover Revealed". Capital FM. 8 February 2012. Archived from the original on 10 February 2012. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
- ^ "Electronic Earth (2CD Deluxe Edition)". Play.com. Archived from the original on 12 March 2012. Retrieved 22 February 2012.
- ^ "Archived copy". iTunes. Archived from the original on 10 January 2014. Retrieved 29 October 2012.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ Stephen Clark – Design. "Labrinth: Ready for the launch". bluesandsoul.com. Archived from the original on 13 March 2012. Retrieved 16 March 2012.
- ^ "Electronic Earth by Labrinth reviews". AnyDecentMusic?. Retrieved 8 October 2025.
- ^ "Electronic Earth by Labrinth Reviews and Tracks". Metacritic. Retrieved 8 October 2025.
- ^ "Album review: Labrinth's Electronic Earth". 4music.com. Archived from the original on 23 May 2012. Retrieved 2 April 2012.
- ^ "BBC – Music – Review of Labrinth – Electronic Earth". bbc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 9 January 2016. Retrieved 11 February 2018.
- ^ a b Lewis Corner (28 March 2012). "Labrinth: 'Electronic Earth' – Album review". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 31 March 2012. Retrieved 1 April 2012.
- ^ a b Alexis Petridis (29 March 2012). "Labrinth: Electronic Earth – review". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 14 December 2015. Retrieved 1 April 2012.
- ^ "Album: Labrinth, Electronic Earth (Syco)". The Independent. 31 March 2012. Archived from the original on 19 August 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
- ^ "NME Reviews - Labrinth - 'Electronic Earth' - NME.COM". NME.COM. 30 March 2012. Archived from the original on 20 May 2016. Retrieved 21 April 2020.
- ^ "Reviews for Electronic Earth by Labrinth – Metacritic". Metacritic. Archived from the original on 14 September 2016. Retrieved 21 April 2020.
- ^ Killian Fox (1 April 2012). "Labrinth: Electronic Earth – review". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 6 March 2016. Retrieved 1 April 2012.
- ^ Jones, Alan (9 April 2012). "Official Charts Analysis: Katy Perry album hits 1m sales, Nicki Minaj LP shifts 47k in debut week". Music Week. Archived from the original on 14 April 2012. Retrieved 9 April 2012.
- ^ "Labrinth. Express Yourself « ITNO". Archived from the original on 2 August 2012. Retrieved 10 May 2012.
- ^ "Climb on Board (Explicit): Labrinth". Amazon.com. 9 March 2012. Archived from the original on 28 April 2023. Retrieved 31 August 2017.
- ^ "SoundCloud – Hear the world's sounds". SoundCloud.com. Archived from the original on 16 May 2022. Retrieved 16 May 2022.
- ^ "Up in Flames behind the scenes". LabrinthTV. Archived from the original on 23 May 2014. Retrieved 21 September 2010 – via YouTube.
- ^ "iTunes – Music – Electronic Earth (Deluxe Edition) by Labrinth". iTunes. 30 March 2012. Archived from the original on 9 September 2012. Retrieved 29 October 2012.
- ^ "Labrinth "Electronic Earth Deluxe Edition"". Labrinth Global Store GB. Archived from the original on 26 April 2015. Retrieved 20 August 2015.
- ^ "Australiancharts.com – Labrinth – Electronic Earth". Hung Medien. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
- ^ "Irish-charts.com – Discography Labrinth". Hung Medien. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
- ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart on 8/4/2012 – Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
- ^ "Official Albums Chart on 8/4/2012 – Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
- ^ "End of Year Album Chart Top 100 – 2012". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on 2 March 2019. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
- ^ "British album certifications – Labrinth – Electronic Earth". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 28 October 2021.
- ^ "Electronic Earth – CD". Play.com. Archived from the original on 11 January 2013. Retrieved 1 April 2012.
- ^ "Labrinth: Electronic Earth (2012)". HMV. Archived from the original on 31 May 2012. Retrieved 1 April 2012.
- ^ "Electronic Earth (2CD Deluxe Edition)". Play.com. Archived from the original on 12 April 2012. Retrieved 1 April 2012.
- ^ "Labrinth: Electronic Earth: 2cd: Deluxe Edition (2012)". HMV. Archived from the original on 31 May 2012. Retrieved 1 April 2012.
- ^ "Labrinth "Electronic Earth – Signed Limited Edition Boxset"". Labrinth Global Store. Archived from the original on 17 March 2012. Retrieved 1 April 2012.
Electronic Earth
View on GrokipediaBackground
Development
Timothy Lee McKenzie, known professionally as Labrinth, signed a recording deal with Syco Music in June 2010, marking Simon Cowell's first non-television talent show signing since Il Divo in 2004. This came after his breakthrough as a producer on Tinie Tempah's chart-topping singles "Pass Out" and "Frisky" from the 2010 album Disc-Overy, as well as Professor Green's "Oh My God" from the 2010 album Alive Till I'm Dead.[5][6][7] Labrinth's musical background blended his early exposure to rave and electronic production with guidance from his manager Marc Williams, who taught him musical history and proper techniques beyond simple chord progressions learned in rave culture. This foundation informed his multifaceted approach to music.[8] On 19 December 2011, Labrinth announced the album's title as Electronic Earth and an initial release date of 19 March 2012 via his official Twitter account. The release was later delayed to 2 April 2012. Collaborations with guest artists were planned from the early stages of development; Tinie Tempah featured on the lead single "Earthquake," released on 21 October 2011 and later included on the album, while a duet with Emeli Sandé on "Beneath Your Beautiful" was confirmed in January 2012.[9][10]Recording and production
The recording sessions for Electronic Earth took place over a two-year period from 2010 to 2012 at Labrinth's Milmark Studios in Wood Green, London.[11][12] The album was primarily produced by Labrinth (Timothy McKenzie) alongside his manager and co-producer Marc "Da Digglar" Williams, who contributed to writing and engineering several tracks.[11] Core recording of the album's tracks occurred mainly in 2011, following Labrinth's signing to Syco Music in mid-2010 and the release of early singles like "Let the Sun Shine" that year. Final mixing and overdubs were completed by early 2012, aligning with the album's April release. The production process emphasized a fusion of electronic and acoustic elements, with Labrinth handling much of the instrumentation himself as a multi-instrumentalist. Electronic synthesizers and dubstep-influenced beats formed the backbone of many tracks, providing pulsating rhythms and bass-heavy drops, as heard in singles like "Earthquake."[13] Acoustic components, including piano riffs and string arrangements by Cliff Masterson on songs such as "Last Time," added emotional depth and layered textures to balance the electronic intensity.[14][15]Composition
Title
The title "Electronic Earth" encapsulates Labrinth's artistic vision of blending contrasting musical worlds. In a March 2012 interview with Blues & Soul, Labrinth discussed his debut album, highlighting its conceptual intent to bridge high-energy electronic production with grounded, soulful R&B elements, creating a cohesive yet diverse soundscape that reflects his multifaceted approach to music. The title was announced via social media in December 2011, followed by the unveiling of the official artwork—a close-up portrait of Labrinth—on 8 February 2012.[16]Musical style
Electronic Earth blends electronic pop and contemporary R&B, incorporating elements of dubstep, drum and bass, and grime, creating a fusion that defies strict genre boundaries.[2] The album features polished electronic production with bold arrangements, huge electronic landscapes, and volatile beats, often layered with auto-tuned vocals and honking rave synthesizers.[17][18] For instance, "Earthquake" showcases a dubstep drop with cascading arcade-like synths and a Gregorian chant breakdown, emphasizing its bombastic energy.[17][18] In contrast, soulful ballads like "Beneath Your Beautiful," a duet with Emeli Sandé, highlight stripped-back piano and emotive vocals, providing emotional depth amid the electronic intensity.[13] The album features brooding, atmospheric textures and bass-heavy elements. Labrinth's appreciation for classical scores also informs the orchestral swells and choir-like arrangements, such as the auto-tuned vocal choir in "Climb on Board."[19][17] Tracks average 3 to 4 minutes in length, allowing for concise song structures that build from introspective verses to expansive choruses, supported by real instruments like keyboards, guitars, and drums alongside electronic alterations. Thematically, Electronic Earth explores love, vulnerability, and personal growth, with lyrics delving into emotional intimacy and self-expression. "Beneath Your Beautiful" addresses seeing past superficiality to embrace inner truths, underscoring themes of vulnerability in relationships.[13] Upbeat tracks like "Let the Sun Shine" convey optimism and personal empowerment through electronic uplift, while "Sundown" examines desire and relational tension with its heavier, brooding production.[13][18] Overall, the album's layered soundscape—featuring cascading synths and occasional Gregorian-style choirs—reinforces these introspective narratives, blending futuristic electronics with soulful introspection.[17][18]Singles
Promotional songs
To further build anticipation ahead of the album's release, an album sampler video was uploaded to YouTube in March 2012, showcasing brief snippets of multiple tracks to give fans a preview of the project's diverse sound.[20] These promotional initiatives were strategically designed to generate hype and foster fan engagement in the lead-up to the full album launch, leveraging digital distribution for wide accessibility without pursuing full commercial single status.Commercial singles
The commercial singles from Electronic Earth were key to the album's promotion, with five tracks achieving chart success in the UK. These releases featured a mix of electronic, hip-hop, and ballad elements, supported by music videos, radio play, and live appearances. "Earthquake", featuring Tinie Tempah, served as the lead commercial single, released on 29 October 2011.[21] The track blends hip-hop, electronica, grime, and dubstep influences, characterized by its bombastic drops and energetic production. It debuted at number two on the UK Singles Chart, where it spent 51 weeks, and topped the UK Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart for several weeks.[21] The song received heavy radio airplay on stations like BBC Radio 1 and was accompanied by an official music video directed by Syndrome, depicting apocalyptic imagery and featuring both artists in a post-disaster setting.[22] "Last Time" followed as the second commercial single, released on 31 March 2012.[23] This R&B-infused track explores themes of regret and redemption, with Labrinth's soulful vocals over a mid-tempo beat. It peaked at number four on the UK Singles Chart, spending eight weeks in the top 100, and reached number one on the UK Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart.[23] Promotion included widespread radio rotation and an official music video released in February 2012, which incorporates surreal elements like aliens and space travel to visualize emotional turmoil.[24] "Express Yourself", the third single, was released on 7 May 2012 and interpolates the 1970 funk classic "Express Yourself" by Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band.[25] The upbeat electronic track encourages self-expression through its anthemic chorus and horn sections, produced by Labrinth and Da Digglar. It achieved a peak of number 12 on the UK Singles Chart over 20 weeks and number two on the UK Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart.[26] The single was promoted via radio campaigns and an official music video emphasizing vibrant, motivational visuals.[27] "Treatment", the fourth single, was released on 9 September 2012.[28] This electronic pop track delves into themes of heartbreak and emotional recovery, featuring pulsating synths and Labrinth's emotive delivery. It peaked at number 55 on the UK Singles Chart and received promotion through radio play and an official music video directed in black-and-white style, portraying introspective narratives.[29] "Beneath Your Beautiful", featuring Emeli Sandé and released on 18 November 2012, marked the album's biggest commercial success as an acoustic ballad focusing on vulnerability in relationships.[30] Co-written by Labrinth, Sandé, and Mike Posner, it topped the UK Singles Chart for one week and the UK Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart for six weeks, charting for 31 weeks overall.[30] The duet gained traction through live performances, including a notable appearance on The X Factor UK in October 2012 and at the Capital FM Summertime Ball in 2013, alongside an official music video showcasing intimate piano-driven footage of the artists.[31][32] "Climb", a track from the deluxe edition, received limited later promotion but was not released as a full commercial single.[2]Critical reception
Aggregate scores
On Metacritic, Electronic Earth received an aggregate score of 55 out of 100, based on eight critic reviews, signifying mixed or average reviews.[33] This score reflects a breakdown of two positive reviews, six mixed reviews, and zero negative reviews.[34] AnyDecentMusic? assigned the album an average rating of 5.4 out of 10, drawn from multiple critic assessments.[35] Similarly, Album of the Year compiled a critic score of 58 out of 100 from eight reviews, underscoring the album's generally mixed critical reception.[36]Reviews
Critics offered a range of opinions on Electronic Earth, with praise often centered on standout tracks and Labrinth's production skills, while criticisms focused on inconsistencies and stylistic choices. The Guardian's Alexis Petridis noted moments of audacity in the album's blend of electronic elements and rock influences, particularly highlighting the duet "Beneath Your Beautiful" with Emeli Sandé as a notable track that reveals Labrinth's natural vocal strengths without heavy auto-tuning.[17] NME commended Labrinth's established prowess as a producer, crediting his innovative work on prior hits like Tinie Tempah's "Pass Out," though the review suggested the album's non-single tracks did not fully capitalize on this talent.[37] Mixed responses highlighted the album's strong singles amid weaker material. BBC Music's Al Fox described Electronic Earth as a polished debut driven by volatile beats in tracks like "Earthquake" and playful arrangements in "Climb on Board," but pointed out that the 10-track length felt measured, leaving room for more substantial content beyond the hits.[38] Similarly, Digital Spy awarded 4 out of 5 stars, praising the crowd-rousing choruses of "Earthquake" and "Last Time" alongside the unique fusion in "Treatment" and "Beneath Your Beautiful," yet observed that the album's consistency varied, with some tracks not matching the highs of its singles.[39] More critical takes addressed perceived over-reliance on contemporary electronic trends. The Independent's Andy Gill appreciated the romantic piano ballad "Beneath Your Beautiful" for evoking John Legend's unadorned style, but critiqued the album's broader use of auto-tune and synth-heavy production in songs like "Last Time," which echoed passing dubstep and rave fads without deeper innovation.[40] Overall, the critical consensus positioned Electronic Earth as a promising debut album with significant hit potential from its singles, bolstered by Labrinth's multifaceted production, but one that suffered from a lack of cohesion across its runtime.[36]Commercial performance
Album charts
Electronic Earth achieved significant commercial success on several international music charts following its release in April 2012, primarily driven by the strong performance of its lead singles in the UK market. The album debuted and peaked at number 2 on the UK Albums Chart for the week ending 14 April 2012, remaining in the top 40 for 19 weeks and accumulating a total of 43 weeks on the chart.[3] Internationally, the album saw moderate success. It reached number 30 on the Australian ARIA Albums Chart in March 2013.[41] In Ireland, it peaked at number 19 on the Irish Albums Chart, spending 17 weeks in total.[42] On the Scottish Albums Chart, Electronic Earth peaked at number 6 and charted for 36 weeks.[3] The album did not enter the US Billboard 200 due to its limited release in the United States at the time, though it gained visibility through the international success of its singles.[43]| Chart (2012–2013) | Peak Position | Weeks on Chart |
|---|---|---|
| UK Albums (OCC) | 2 | 43 |
| Scottish Albums (OCC) | 6 | 36 |
| Irish Albums (IRMA) | 19 | 17 |
| Australian Albums (ARIA) | 30 | 6 |
Certifications and sales
In the United Kingdom, Electronic Earth was certified Platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for shipments exceeding 300,000 units, a status achieved on 16 April 2021.[45] The album sold 32,281 copies in its first week of release, debuting at number two on the UK Albums Chart. By the end of 2012, it had accumulated approximately 206,900 units in the UK. Worldwide, the album surpassed 300,000 copies sold by August 2013, with sales significantly boosted by the international success of the single "Beneath Your Beautiful". Although the album achieved modest chart positions in other markets, it received no certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in the United States or the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) in Australia. As of 2025, the BPI certification remains at Platinum with no further awards reported.Track listing
Standard edition
The standard edition of Electronic Earth comprises 10 tracks, clocking in at a total runtime of 43:23. This core release showcases Labrinth's blend of electronic pop, R&B, and dubstep influences, with songwriting primarily handled by Labrinth (Timothy McKenzie) and Da Digglar (Marc Williams) across most tracks, alongside select co-writers for specific songs.[2][11] The track listing, including durations, is as follows:| No. | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Climb On Board" | 3:58 |
| 2 | "Earthquake" (featuring Tinie Tempah) | 4:34 |
| 3 | "Last Time" | 4:23 |
| 4 | "Treatment" | 4:30 |
| 5 | "Express Yourself" | 4:03 |
| 6 | "Let The Sun Shine" | 2:59 |
| 7 | "Beneath Your Beautiful" (featuring Emeli Sandé) | 4:31 |
| 8 | "Sundown" | 5:06 |
| 9 | "Sweet Riot" | 5:02 |
| 10 | "Vultures" | 4:17 |
Deluxe edition
The deluxe edition of Electronic Earth expands the standard 10-track album to 15 tracks by incorporating five bonus recordings, comprising two original songs and three remixes designed to appeal to club and electronic music audiences.[46] These additions include "T.O.P." (3:47), an original track showcasing Labrinth's production style blending electronic and soul elements, and "Up In Flames" (4:00), a collaboration featuring rappers Devlin and Tinchy Stryder that introduces hip-hop influences to the album's sound.[46] The remixes provide extended, dance-oriented reinterpretations: "Earthquake (All Stars Remix)" (4:50) with additional features from Tinie Tempah, Kano, Wretch 32, and Busta Rhymes; "Last Time (Knife Party Remix)" (5:14), a high-energy electronic rework; and "Earthquake (Noisia Remix)" (6:24) featuring Tinie Tempah, emphasizing dubstep and bass-heavy production.[46] This edition, available digitally in the UK and internationally, totals approximately 67 minutes in runtime, offering enhanced value through its mix of new material and club-friendly variants tailored for broader markets.[47] In the US release, the expanded version mirrors this structure with the same bonus content, while some physical editions incorporate alternative bonuses like a collaboration with Devlin on "Let It Go" to align with American hip-hop tastes.[2] The remixes, in particular, were crafted for promotional club play, extending key singles' reach in dance scenes, whereas the original bonus tracks provide fresh compositions not found in the base album.[46]Personnel
Producers and songwriters
The album Electronic Earth was primarily produced by Labrinth, who handled production duties across all tracks, contributing his multifaceted skills as a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist to shape its electronic and R&B-infused sound.[48] Da Digglar, also known as Marc Williams and Labrinth's manager, served as co-producer and additional programmer on all tracks, providing key support in crafting the album's layered beats and atmospheric elements.[48] Songwriting credits were dominated by Labrinth, who penned or co-penned 10 of the album's tracks, drawing from personal experiences to infuse themes of love, vulnerability, and introspection.[49] Da Digglar co-wrote eight tracks, collaborating closely with Labrinth to develop the lyrical narratives that underpin the project's emotional depth.[48] Notable guest contributions included Emeli Sandé, who co-wrote the duet "Beneath Your Beautiful," blending her soulful perspective with Labrinth's vision for a poignant ballad.[50] Tinie Tempah provided songwriting input on "Earthquake," his featured track, incorporating sharp, urban lyricism that complemented the song's seismic energy.[51] Other collaborators, such as Claude Kelly on "Vultures," brought additional polish and genre versatility to the writing process.[48] Post-production was handled by mixing engineer Jaycen Joshua, who refined the album's sonic balance across its diverse arrangements, ensuring clarity in the electronic and vocal layers. Mastering duties fell to Vlado Meller, who finalized the overall loudness and tonal consistency, preparing Electronic Earth for wide release.[48][2]Musicians and technical staff
Labrinth provided lead vocals across all tracks on Electronic Earth, contributing to the album's eclectic blend of electronic, pop, and soul elements through his multifaceted performance.[52] Featured vocalists included Emeli Sandé on the duet "Beneath Your Beautiful," where her soulful harmonies complemented Labrinth's delivery, and Tinie Tempah on "Earthquake," adding rap verses that enhanced the track's energetic rhythm.[52] Instrumentally, Labrinth handled keyboards, guitar, and bass guitar throughout the album, grounding its electronic production in organic textures.[52] Drummer Andy Gangadeen contributed additional percussion on "Treatment" and "Sundown," providing live drum elements that added depth to these tracks' dynamic builds.[52] Cliff Masterson arranged and conducted strings on tracks 3, 7, and 10.[52] Technical contributions were led by mixer Jaycen Joshua, who handled mixing duties at Metropolis Studios in London, ensuring a polished, radio-ready sound across the record.[52] Assistant mixing was performed by Trehy Harris, supporting the refinement of the album's layered arrangements.[52] Programming support came from Da Digglar, who provided additional programming on every track, and Joachim Walker, who added programming to "Last Time" and "Treatment."[52]Release history
Release dates
The standard edition of Electronic Earth was released in the United Kingdom on 2 April 2012 through Syco Music.[11] The deluxe edition was released simultaneously with the standard edition on 2 April 2012.[2] The album was released in the United States as an import edition in 2012.[53] The album was made available internationally via digital platforms shortly after the UK launch.[2] Pre-orders for the digital version were available on iTunes starting in March 2012.[54]| Region | Edition | Date | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Standard | 2 April 2012 | Syco Music |
| United Kingdom | Deluxe | 2 April 2012 | Syco Music |
